Continuous-Arm Windsor, with Two Period Windsor Chairs
comprising a brace-back continuous-arm stamped "HPS" signature "I. Sproson", mixed woods, Connecticut, late 18th century, 37 in., refinished with traces of early green, minor patches and distress at joint of legs to feet; New England sack-back, carved arm terminals, shaped plank seat, mixed woods, 38 in., refinished, cracks to arms, one with later wooden brace at underside, one with area of infill; with a tall spindle-back example, shaped arm terminals, legs now set with rockers, mixed woods, 44-1/2 in., refinished, later rockers, all with typical scattered minor cracks, surface wear and other flaws consistent with age and use. Notes: John Sprosen lived at 20 Golden Hill Street, New York (named after Golden Hill Revolutionary War battle, where street is located)
John Street Church, New York, New York, is 'the oldest Methodist Congregation in America', Founded in 1766. John Sprosen served as class leader of New York City Methodism at the New York Society from 1791-96 and as trustee of John Street Church (originally called Wesley Chapel, renamed John Street Methodist Episcopal Church and now John Street Church).. Provenance: I. Sproson example Estate of Mrs. C. Hallam Keep, New York, sold Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. October 19, 1963, Sale 2215, Lot 111, Lot 204; one example Mrs. Louis Waldo Stevens, NY, sold Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. December 8-9, 1961, Sale 2070, Lot 102; Property of a Pennsylvania Family

all with typical scattered minor cracks, surface wear and other flaws consistent with age and use